A naked man floating on a log in the Nolichucky River was finally rescued Wednesday afternoon after refusing several rescue efforts.
Troy Hunt, age 52, was first spotted holding onto a log as it went under the Erwin Highway. Passersby notified 911 around 11:30 AM.
The man was first spotted by rescuers as he passed near River Plantation subdivision. Rescuers said the man did not appear to be in distress, was naked, and said he did not need any help. As he floated by, he was singing "God Bless the USA".
Wings Air Rescue tracked Hunt from the air as the high and swift waters carried him toward Jones Bridge. Rescuers used a PA system to talk to Hunt as he approached the bridge and lowered a rope to attempt a rescue. However, Hunt refused to grab the rope as he passed under the bridge.
Rescue Squad volunteers then launched a boat from Kinser Park and made their way upstream. As Hunt passed Bird's Bridge about 45 minutes later, he accepted a life jacket, but tossed a rescue rope away and continued his float down the river. Hunt later said that he did not accept the ropes because emergency personnel yelled at him and that hurt his feelings, according to a Greene County Sheriff's report. Rescuers advised Hunt of the Nolichucky Dam that was still downstream.
As the man approached Kinser Park, the Rescue Squad and Sheriff's deputies were waiting in a boat. This time the man accepted their help and was brought to the Kinser Park boat ramp around 1:45 Wednesday afternoon. Hunt told rescuers he first went into the water around Ripley Island. He also allegedly said that he had shorts on when he got into the river, but the current must have ripped them off. Hunt also reportedly stated that his father had passed away three years ago, but then said that he went into the water because his father told him that he wanted to go for a ride. In all, he traveled about 15 miles on the river in about 2 1/2 hours. Hunt was charged with disorderly conduct, indecent exposure, and public intoxication. He was also wanted on failure to appear charges.
A video of the rescue efforts can be found on the Radio Greeneville Facebook page at
facebook.com/radiogreenevillenews.
The Greeneville Emergency & Rescue Squad, Sunnyside Volunteer Fire Department, Greene County EMS, Greene County Sheriff's Department, and Greeneville/Greene County Emergency Management Agency were among the agencies that responded to the rescue.
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